Convertible and detachable laptops

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of converting a computer from a folded position into an alternate position is disclosed. The method includes: providing a display; providing a base coupled to the display; providing a base flap pivotally attached to the display and the base, the base flap being attached to the display at a distance sufficiently away from edges of the display to provide a reduced volumetric size of the computer in a laptop position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/367,378, filed on Feb. 14, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of computersystems. More particularly, an embodiment of the present inventionprovides methods and apparatus related to convertible and/or detachablelaptops.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Notebook (also called laptop) computers are lightweight personalcomputers, which are quickly gaining popularity. The popularity of thenotebook computers has especially increased since their prices have beendropping significantly, while maintaining similar performance as theirlarger siblings (i.e., desktop computers or workstations).

[0004] One clear advantage of notebook computers is their ease ofportability. The lighter weight and increased battery life has made theuse of notebook computers more commonplace. Aside from size, a majordifference between notebook computers and personal computers is thegraphical display system. Notebook computer designers employ a varietyof techniques to produce lightweight graphical display systems.

[0005]FIG. 1 shows a typical notebook computer in accordance with theprior art. A notebook computer 100 typically includes a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) 102 for displaying graphical images and a base unit 104for encasing different hardware elements of the notebook computer. Thehardware elements include a keyboard 106, a battery 108, a hard drive(not shown), and a central processing unit (CPU, not shown).

[0006] In some applications, the notebook computers may be utilized as atablet (also called a convertible laptop), i.e., where a user may inputdata by inputting it directly onto the LCD 102. Some users, however,dislike tablet computers because their usage requires a differentapproach (e.g., using a pen instead of a pointing stick). Additionally,the current convertible laptops use their own proprietary or nonstandardoperating systems (OSes). The nonstandard implementation of theconvertible laptops creates compatibility issues with other computersystems in use at the user's home or office.

[0007] The wider use of notebook computers has also created problems fortheir users, including physical ones. Incidents of carpal tunnelsyndrome, eyestrain, and backache are on the rise. For example,increased passenger capacity in airplanes has resulted in reduced legand shoulder room, in turn, increasing the stress on laptop users'posture when utilizing their computers. For example, with respect toFIG. 1, users often rest their palms on the hand rest area of thekeyboard (210) while typing on the keyboard 106, which increases thestress on the user's hands. Similarly, user eyestrain may result whenthe LCD panel 102 cannot be tilted back far enough (e.g., due to spacerestrictions), thereby rendering a less than ideal brightness yield fromthe incorrectly angled LCD panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitationin the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like referencesindicate similar or identical elements, and in which:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a prior art depiction of a notebook computer;

[0010]FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computer system200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary side view of a computer system 300in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary side view of a computer system 400in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary front, side view of a computersystem 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary top view of a folded computersystem 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary top view of an unfolded computersystem 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary top view of a computer system 800in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary top view of a computer system 900in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0018]FIGS. 10 through 16 illustrate exemplary side views of computersystems in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following detailed description of the present inventionnumerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than indetail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0020] Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of thephrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0021]FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computer system200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thecomputer system 200 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 202 coupledto a bus 205. In one embodiment, the CPU 202 is a processor in thePentium® family of processors including the Pentium® II processorfamily, Pentium® III processors, Pentium® IV processors available fromIntel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. Alternatively, other CPUs maybe used, such as Intel's XScale processor, Intel's Banias Processors,ARM processors available from ARM Ltd. of Cambridge, the United Kingdom,or OMAP processor (an enhanced ARM-based processor) available from TexasInstruments, Inc., of Dallas, Tex.

[0022] A chipset 207 is also coupled to the bus 205. The chipset 207includes a memory control hub (MCH) 210. The MCH 210 may include amemory controller 212 that is coupled to a main system memory 215. Mainsystem memory 215 stores data and sequences of instructions that areexecuted by the CPU 202 or any other device included in the system 200.In one embodiment, main system memory 215 includes dynamic random accessmemory (DRAM); however, main system memory 215 may be implemented usingother memory types. Additional devices may also be coupled to the bus205, such as multiple CPUs and/or multiple system memories.

[0023] The MCH 210 may also include a graphics interface 213 coupled toa graphics accelerator 230. In one embodiment, graphics interface 213 iscoupled to graphics accelerator 230 via an accelerated graphics port(AGP) that operates according to an AGP Specification Revision 2.0interface developed by Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif.

[0024] In addition, the hub interface couples the MCH 210 to aninput/output control hub (ICH) 240 via a hub interface. The ICH 240provides an interface to input/output (I/O) devices within the computersystem 200. The ICH 240 may be coupled to a Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (PCI) bus adhering to a Specification Revision 2.1 busdeveloped by the PCI Special Interest Group of Portland, Oreg. Thus, theICH 240 includes a PCI bridge 246 that provides an interface to a PCIbus 242. The PCI bridge 246 provides a data path between the CPU 202 andperipheral devices.

[0025] The PCI bus 242 includes an audio device 250 and a disk drive255. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatother devices may be coupled to the PCI bus 242. In addition, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that the CPU 202 and MCH 210could be combined to form a single chip. Furthermore, graphicsaccelerator 230 may be included within MCH 210 in other embodiments.

[0026] In addition, other peripherals may also be coupled to the ICH 240in various embodiments. For example, such peripherals may includeintegrated drive electronics (IDE) or small computer system interface(SCSI) hard drive(s), universal serial bus (USB) port(s), a keyboard, amouse, parallel port(s), serial port(s), floppy disk drive(s), digitaloutput support (e.g., digital video interface (DVI)), and the like.Moreover, the computer system 200 is envisioned to receive electricalpower from one or more of the following sources for its operation: abattery, alternating current (AC) outlet (e.g., through a transformerand/or adaptor), automotive power supplies, airplane power supplies, andthe like.

[0027]FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary side view of a computer system 300in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In anembodiment of the present invention, the computer system 300 may besimilar to or identical to the computer systems discussed with respectto the figures herein. In one embodiment, the computer system 300 may bea laptop (also known as a notebook) computer, which may be converted toa tablet computer (i.e., a convertible laptop).

[0028] The computer system 300 includes a pen receptacle 302 (e.g., toreceive a pen for the tablet embodiment), a display 304 (which may alsobe used as a tablet), a base 306, and a base flap 308. In one embodimentof the present invention, the pen receptacle 302 may be embedded in thedisplay 304. In another embodiment of the present invention, the displayunit 304 may be an LCD, plasma display, and the like. In a furtherembodiment of the present invention, the display unit may includehardware elements such as a CPU, peripherals, interfaces, chipsets, andthe like (such as those discussed with respect to FIG. 1). In yetanother embodiment of the present invention, the base 306 houseshardware devices such as batteries, storage devices, communicationports, a keyboard, and the like.

[0029] The base flap 308 may be wrapped around the tablet 304 andattached to it by a latch 310. In an embodiment of the presentinvention, the latch 310 permits the base flap 308 to pivotally rotateagainst the base 306 (e.g., utilizing a hinge, screw, pin, and otherlike fasteners). The base flap 308 may be constructed with material suchas leather, plastic, fabric, metal, flexible cable, and the like. In anembodiment of the present invention, the base flap 308 may have one ormore embedded and/or surface-attached solid and/or semi-solid structures(e.g., at select locations) to provide structural rigidity sufficient tosupport the tablet 304 and/or other components provided within the baseflap 308 while being able to wrap around the tablet 304 (as illustratedin FIG. 3).

[0030] The tablet 304 further includes openings 312 to permit airflowfor cooling purposes. The base 306 may include a keyboard as will bediscussed with respect to for example FIG. 7. Both the tablet 304 andthe base 306 may include additional connections 314 for attachment ofexternal devices such as ear phones, microphones, speakers,communication devices, AC adaptors, and the like. The tablet 304 mayfurther include a locking tap 316 (e.g., to engage/disengage the base306 from the tablet 304).

[0031]FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary side view of a computer system 400in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In anembodiment of the present invention, the side view illustrated may of anopposite side of the computer system 300 of FIG. 3. In a furtherembodiment of the present invention, the computer system 400 may besimilar to or identical to the computer systems discussed with respectto the figures herein.

[0032] The computer system 400 includes the tablet 304, the base 306,openings 412 (e.g., to permit airflow to cool the computer system 400),a locking tap 416 (e.g., to engage/disengage the base 306 from thetablet 304), connectors 414 (e.g., to provide communication facilitiesfor external peripherals such as expansion ports, microphones, speakers,earphones, and the like), port(s) 418 (e.g., USB ports or its varietiessuch as USB2.0), and controls (e.g., to control volume, brightness ofthe display, and the like (not shown)).

[0033]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary front, side view of a computersystem 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Inan embodiment of the present invention, the computer system 500 may besimilar to or identical to the computer systems discussed with respectto the figures herein. The computer system 500 includes the base 306,the tablet 304, and indicators 502. The indicators 502 may illustrateone or more of the following: battery power remaining, hard driveaccess, floppy access, power mode (e.g., on or off), suspend mode, andthe like.

[0034]FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary top view of a folded computersystem 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Inan embodiment of the present invention, the computer system 600 may besimilar to or identical to the computer systems discussed with respectto the figures herein. The computer system 600 includes one or morelatches 602 to engage/disengage the base flap 308 from the tablet 304.

[0035] The computer system 600 further includes a display 604, a scrollcontact 606 with one or more functions (e.g., for scrolling up or downand selecting), and a return button 608 (e.g., for navigatingbackwards). In an embodiment of the present invention, the display 604may be an always-on display to provide information to a user. Thedisplay 604 may be an LCD. The display 604 may also receive input datadirectly (for example, by on-screen writing). In accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, the display 604 is envisioned toprovide data to a user while the computer system 600 is in a foldedposition, e.g., for faster access to data without having to unfold thecomputer system 600. Additionally, the use of the display 604 in placeof the tablet 304 may provide reduced power consumption, therebyextending the battery life of the computer system 600. The computersystem 600 may further include a speaker portion 610 to provide soundsignals.

[0036]FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary top view of an unfolded computersystem 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Inan embodiment of the present invention, the computer system 700 may besimilar to or identical to the computer systems discussed with respectto the figures herein. The computer system 700 includes a keyboard 702mounted in the base 306, a pointing stick 704 (e.g., to navigate), oneor more selection buttons 706 (e.g., to use for right-click/left-clickfunctionality, or otherwise configurable for automating other tasks),one or more alignment tabs 710 in the tablet 304, and one or morealignment tabs 712 in the base 306 (to match up with the tabletalignment tabs 710). In an embodiment of the present invention, the basealignment tabs 712 and the tablet alignment tabs 710 may becomplementary (i.e., dimples versus extrusions) to provide properalignment of the tablet 304 and the base 306 in a folded position suchas shown in the FIG. 6.

[0037] The computer system 700 further includes a guiding/lockingmechanism 708 for engaging/disengaging the tablet 304 as it is adjustedagainst the base 306. As illustrated the computer system 700 includesthe base flap 308 and indicators 714 (e.g., embedded in the base 306).The indicators 714 may illustrate one or more of the following: batterypower remaining, hard drive access, floppy access, power mode (e.g., onor off), suspend mode, and the like.

[0038]FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary top view of a computer system 800in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In anembodiment of the present invention, the computer system 800 may besimilar to or identical to the computer systems discussed with respectto the figures herein. In a further embodiment of the present invention,the computer system 800 is the same as the computer system 600 of FIG. 6with the base flap 308 detached from the tablet 304. The computer system800 includes the display 604, the scroll contact 606, the return button608, and the speaker portion 610.

[0039]FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary top view of a computer system 900in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In anembodiment of the present invention, the computer system 900 may besimilar to or identical to the computer systems discussed with respectto the figures herein. In a further embodiment of the present invention,the computer system 900 illustrates the computer system 600 of FIG. 6with the base flap 308 and the base 306 folded under the tablet 304. Thecomputer system 900 includes a pen 902 for writing on the tablet 304.The pen 902 may be a battery-less pen such as pens provided by WacomCompany, Ltd., of Japan. In an embodiment of the present invention, thetablet 304 has a magnetic underlay, resistive underlay, and/or the liketo receive signals input by the pen 902.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 9, in its folded position, the computersystem 900 may have a portion of the base flap 308 protruding. Thetablet 304 further includes a speaker portion 910 to provide soundsignals, a microphone 908 to receive sound signals, one or more buttons906 (e.g., power on/off button, security button (e.g., for safe modeoperations which enable quick suspension or wake up of the computersystem 900), and/or rotate button (e.g., to rotate the image displayedon the tablet 304 by a certain degree such as 90 or 180 degrees inclockwise or counter-clockwise directions)). Also illustrated in FIG. 9,are perimeter portions 904 of the tablet 304 which may embed (or cover)one or more types of wireless antennas for provision of global systemfor mobile communication (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS),Bluetooth, institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE)802.11x, and the like.

[0041]FIGS. 10 through 16 illustrate exemplary side views of computersystems in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.In an embodiment of the present invention, the computer system shown inthe FIGS. 10-16 may be similar to or identical to the computer systemsdiscussed with respect to the other figures herein. FIG. 10 illustratesthe side view of the computer system in a fully folded position. FIG. 11illustrates the side view of the computer system as the base 306 and thetablet 304 are pulled apart from the fully folded position of FIG. 10.FIG. 12 illustrates the side view of the computer system as the base 306and the tablet 304 are further pulled apart from the position shown inFIG. 11.

[0042]FIG. 13 illustrates the side view of the computer system in alaptop (or notebook) position. As shown in FIG. 13, the tablet 304 mayrest on the base 306, with the base flap 308 providing support for thetablet 304. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tablet 304may be locked in position (such as discussed with respect to FIG. 7). Inan embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that the laptopposition illustrated in FIG. 13 provides the laptop configuration in arelatively lower volumetric space (e.g., by reducing the amount of spacerequired in the back of the laptop screen to achieve a screen anglerequired by a user in relatively tighter spaces while providing accessto the keyboard and/or other input devices). In one embodiment of thepresent invention, the angle between the face side of the tablet 304 andthe face side of the base 306 is between about 95 to 140 degrees when inthe laptop position.

[0043]FIG. 14 illustrates the side view of the computer system as it isfurther folded into a tablet configuration. As shown in FIG. 14, thebase flap 308 may be folded between the base 306 and the tablet 304.FIG. 15 illustrates the side view of the computer system in a tabletconfiguration with the pen 902 providing input data to the tablet 304.As shown in FIG. 15, in the tablet configuration, the base 306 and thebase flap 308 provide support for the tablet 304.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the base 306 isautomatically deactivated once the computer system assumes its tabletconfiguration. Similarly, it is envisioned that the base 306 may bereactivated once the computer system leaves its tablet configuration.This approach may assist in eliminating input of stray data when thecomputer system is switching between a tablet and laptop configuration,for example. FIG. 16 illustrates the side view of the computer system ina tablet configuration with the base 306 and/or the base flap 308detached (such as discussed with respect to latches 602 of FIG. 6).

[0045] Whereas many alterations and modifications of the presentinvention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill inthe art after having read the foregoing description, it is to beunderstood that any particular embodiment shown and described by way ofillustration is in no way intended to be considered limiting. Therefore,references to details of various embodiments are not intended to limitthe scope of the claims which in themselves recite only those featuresregarded as essential to the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer system comprising: a display housingcomprising a display and a CPU; a base comprising a keyboard; and a baseflap pivotally attached to the display housing and pivotally attached tothe base flap so that the display housing may be oriented to rest on thebase with the keyboard exposed for use with the display.
 2. The computersystem of claim 1, wherein the display housing further comprisesconnectors for external peripherals.
 3. The computer system of claim 1,wherein the display housing further comprises controls to controlspeaker volume and display brightness.
 4. The computer system of claim1, wherein the display housing further comprises indicators for at leastone of battery power remaining, hard drive access, and power mode. 5.The computer system of claim 1, wherein the display housing furthercomprises a speaker portion, a microphone and a power button.
 6. Thecomputer system of claim 1, wherein the display housing furthercomprises an embedded wireless antenna.
 7. The computer system of claim1, wherein the base further comprises communication ports.
 8. Thecomputer system of claim 1, wherein the base flap is attached so that itmay be wrapped around the display housing.
 9. The computer system ofclaim 8, wherein the base flap is removably attached to the displayhousing using a latch.
 10. The computer system of claim 9 wherein thelatch permits the base flap to pivotally rotate against the base. 11.The computer system of claim 1, wherein the display housing furthercomprises a locking tap to removably engage the base from the tablet.12. The computer system of claim 1, wherein when the display housing isoriented to rest on the base, the base flap and the base fold under thedisplay housing with a portion of the base flap protruding.
 13. Thecomputer system of claim 1, wherein the base may be oriented to coverthe display, the computer system further comprising a second displayaccessible when the primary display is covered by the base.
 14. Thecomputer system of claim 13, wherein the second display is an always-ondisplay to provide information to a user.
 15. The computer system ofclaim 13, further comprising a scroll contact proximate the display forscrolling and selecting, the scroll contact being accessible when theprimary display is covered by the base.
 16. The computer system of claim13, wherein the second display may receive input data directly byon-screen writing.
 17. The computer system of claim 13, furthercomprising a speaker portion proximate the second display to providesound signals.
 18. A computer system comprising: a display housingincluding a tablet, the tablet having an underlay to receive signalsinput by a pen; a base to protect the tablet, the base including akeyboard; and a base flap to removably attach the base to the displayhousing.
 19. The computer system of claim 18, wherein the base flap maybe wrapped around the display housing.
 20. The computer system of claim18, wherein the base flap is removably attached to the display housingby a latch.
 21. The computer system of claim 20, wherein the latchpermits the base flap to pivotally rotate against the base.
 22. Thecomputer system of claim 18, further comprising a mechanism to removablyengage the display housing against the base.
 23. The computer system ofclaim 18, wherein the display housing further comprises a locking tap toremovably engage the base and the display housing.
 24. The computersystem of claim 18, wherein the base flap and the base may fold underthe display housing with a portion of the base flap protruding.
 25. Thecomputer system of claim 18, wherein the display housing furthercomprises a pen receptacle to receive the pen.
 26. The computer systemof claim 18, wherein the display housing further comprises a CPU. 27.The computer system of claim 18, wherein the display housing furthercomprises connectors for external peripherals.
 28. The computer systemof claim 18, wherein the display housing further comprises a speakerportion, a microphone, and a power button.
 29. The computer system ofclaim 18, wherein the tablet is on a first surface of the displayhousing, the computer system further comprising a second display on asecond opposite surface of the display housing accessible when the baseis protecting the tablet.
 30. The computer system of claim 29, furthercomprising a scroll contact proximate the second display for scrollingand selecting, the scroll contact being accessible when the tablet iscovered by the base.
 31. A computer system comprising: a display housingcomprising a display; a base comprising a keyboard to cover the displayand the keyboard in a folded position; and a base flap pivotallyattached to the display housing and pivotally attached to the base flapso that the base and the display housing may be pulled apart from thefolded position and the base flap may be folded between the base and thedisplay housing to a tablet position exposing the display and coveringthe keyboard.
 32. The computer system of claim 31, wherein the base andthe display housing may be pulled apart from the folded position to alaptop position so that the display housing may be oriented to rest onthe base with the keyboard exposed for use with the display.
 33. Thecomputer system of claim 31, wherein the base and the display housingmay be pulled apart from the folded position to a laptop position sothat the display housing may rest on the base, with the base flapproviding support for the display housing.
 34. The computer system ofclaim 33, wherein the display housing may be locked to the base in thelaptop position.
 35. The computer system of claim 33, wherein the baseflap is removably attached to the display housing.
 36. A computer systemcomprising: a display housing having a first surface having a firstdisplay and a second surface opposite the first surface having a seconddisplay; and a base pivotally attached to the display housing toalternately protect the first display in a closed position and exposethe first display in an open position.
 37. The computer system of claim36, wherein the display housing further comprises a scroll contact forscrolling up or down and selecting using the second display.
 38. Thecomputer system of claim 36, wherein the display housing furthercomprises a return button for navigating backwards using the seconddisplay.
 39. The computer system of claim 36, wherein the second displaymay also input data directly by on-screen writing.
 40. The computersystem of claim 36, wherein the second display operates while thecomputer system is in the folded position.
 41. The computer system ofclaim 36, wherein the display housing further comprises a speakerportion for use with the second display.
 42. The computer system ofclaim 36, wherein the display housing further comprises a CPU,peripherals, interfaces, and a chipset.
 43. The computer system of claim36, wherein the base further comprises a keyboard accessible in the openposition.
 44. The computer system of claim 36, wherein the base isremovably attached to the display housing using a base flap.